Heritage and museums
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Heart of Sharjah | The restored old quarter with its traditional houses and souqs. | Central Sharjah |
| The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization | More than 5,000 pieces of Islamic history and science, including rare Qur'an manuscripts. | AED 10; 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday to Thursday |
| Al Noor Mosque | A domed mosque with minarets on the shore of Khalid Lagoon, one of Sharjah's loveliest. | Khalid Lagoon |
Family and the lagoon
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Al Noor Island | An island of gardens with art installations and a butterfly house, lit up at night. | Khalid Lagoon |
| Sharjah Aquarium | 21 tanks with more than a hundred species of the Arabian Gulf. | AED 25 for adults and 15 for children; Al Khan |
| Al Majaz Waterfront | A lakeside park with a dancing fountain and restaurants. | Khalid Lagoon |
Beyond the city
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Mleiha Archaeological Centre | Pre-Islamic finds and desert tours at Mleiha, and the Faya site on the World Heritage list since 2025. | About an hour; AED 10 |
| Khor Fakkan | A town on the east coast between the mountains, with a beach, an amphitheatre and a waterfall. | About an hour and a half |
Tips before you go
- Sharjah is about 20 to 30 minutes from Dubai, depending on traffic.
- November to March is the best time.
- Sharjah is a calm, family city, with hotels cheaper than Dubai's.
More places nearby
- Things to do in the UAE
- Things to do in Dubai
- Dubai malls and souqs
- Things to do in Abu Dhabi
- Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah
- Things to do in Al Ain
- Things to do in Fujairah
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Sharjah?
The Heart of Sharjah, the Museum of Islamic Civilization, Al Noor Mosque, Al Noor Island, Sharjah Aquarium, Al Majaz, Mleiha and Khor Fakkan.
How far is Sharjah from Dubai?
About 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
How much is the Museum of Islamic Civilization?
AED 10 for adults and 5 for children.
Planning your trip to the United Arab Emirates? Read Travel to the UAE from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.